National Championship Long Shot Predictions: 2025-26 College Football Picks, Odds

Contenders emerge from the shadows to challenge for titles every campaign, and I'll attempt to pinpoint those teams in preseason as part of my national championship long shot predictions.

College Football Playoff expansion in recent years has given more teams a chance to compete for championships. Fans witnessed this last season with No. 8 seed Ohio State capturing the crown by beating No. 7 Notre Dame.

I've identified three long shots - teams with +2500 betting odds or longer to win the national title at the best college football betting sites - I believe can make national noise and perhaps even the playoff.

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〽️ Michigan

✅ Best odds: +3000 via bet365 ($10 to win $300)

Jamelle Holieway and Trevor Lawrence are the only two true freshman quarterbacks to lead their programs to the promised land as full-time starters. The hope around Ann Arbor is that Bryce Underwood can join that elite list en route to making history this season.

He joins a Michigan team that's coming into 2025 with high hopes. The Wolverines capped off a disappointing title defense with three consecutive wins, including statement victories over Alabama and Ohio State. Add a five-star signal-caller to the mix and the sky is the limit.

Michigan's true ceiling will be dictated by Underwood's development as the season progresses.

However, if the true freshman can limit mistakes early, there's enough talent around him to win football games without stellar quarterback play. This includes two phenomenal running backs, Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes, running behind an experienced offensive line that returns three starters.

If the Wolverines can pass road tests at Oklahoma, Nebraska, USC, and Michigan State, an all-important rivalry clash with the Buckeyes could decide their postseason fate. Considering Michigan has won four straight against Ohio State, there's little justification as to why the Wolverines' odds are this long.

Michigan is currently trading at +3000 at the best sports betting apps. This means a $10 wager will profit $300 if Sherrone Moore can guide the Wolverines to the program's second national title in three seasons.

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🐊 Florida

✅ Best odds: +4500 via FanDuel ($10 to win $450)

Florida has one of the toughest schedules in the country for the upcoming campaign. The Gators have seven preseason AP Top 25 teams on their schedule, including four (Georgia, LSU, Miami, and Texas) from the top 10. Not difficult enough? Five of those games will be played either away or at a neutral venue.

However, if Billy Napier's men continue to improve upon their performance from last year, they can rack up an impressive resume. It all starts with DJ Lagway, who was one of the most electric freshmen in the country in 2024.

Full transparency, I placed my Heisman Trophy future on Lagway as soon as the market opened. In other words, I love the leader of Florida's talented offense heading into his sophomore season in Gainesville.

The dynamic duo of Lagway and Jadan Baugh is enough to get excited about the Gators heading into the season. Their defense appears to be ferocious, as well, as Ron Roberts returns five starters from a unit that surrendered 17 points or fewer in each of its last four games in 2024.

While Florida's schedule is incredibly difficult, it also gives the Gators some room for error if they can pick up a couple of signature wins along the way. If there's a surprise candidate that emerges in the SEC, it could be Napier's men, so long as Lagway stays healthy. They're worth a flier at +4500 betting odds at FanDuel.

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☀️ Arizona State

✅ Best odds: +15000 via ESPN BET ($10 to win $1,500)

If you think Arizona State was a fluke inclusion in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, think again. The Sun Devils are here to stay under Kenny Dillingham, as the third-year coach has set the foundation for another fairy tale run in 2025-26.

Perhaps most importantly, Arizona State brings back quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was sensational down the stretch. The Sun Devils also return nine starters from an underrated defense to go with four big men in the offensive trenches. As long as those building blocks are in place, the skill positions will sort themselves out.

Running back Kanye Udoh, an Army transfer, is one to watch as Dillingham looks to fill Cam Skattebo's shoes, as well.

It's difficult to wrap my head around a Big 12 championship odds favorite getting such long odds after making a playoff appearance last season. Arizona State faces an uphill battle to win the national title, but as a team with a great chance to be in the final 12-team field, there's no better value on the oddsboard.

This is perhaps the most disrespectful line posted at the best sportsbooks. If Dillingham's men can grow off the back of last year's performance, +15000 odds look like highway robbery. This is a $1,500 flier worth taking at ESPN BET.

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